‘We feel ignored and in the dark’

Langold residents and councillors are campaigning for street lights to remain on in the village. Pictured right is resident Wendy Hunt handing over some of the signed petition to Coun Sheila Place (w120509-9c)

Published:16:16Wednesday 23 May 2012

LANGOLD residents are hoping a major petition will help to force a u-turn over a street lighting reduction scheme.

Over 500 residents have signed the petition in protest about the cuts to street lighting which came into force in the village last November.

County councillor Sheila Place was expected to hand over the signatures to County Hall bosses, as the Guardian went to press (Thursday 17th May).

Langold resident Wendy Hunt, of White Avenue, organised the petition and said she hopes it will help reverse the decision, as has happened in Worksop and Langold.

“Many residents think it is absolutely disgusting and we feel ignored and overlooked by Notts County Council.

“It’s fair enough if they are making these savings in order to spend a bit more to improve the village but I don’t think they will,” he said.

Wendy said the reduced street lighting had worried residents young and old in the village.

“Some elderly residents I spoke to were extremely concerned - many sleep with their curtains open and the light helps them if they need to get up in the night,” she said.

“There were also a considerable amount of people who I spoke to who said they have had cars damaged since the lights were turned off.”

She added: “It really concerns me too. I worry about my 20-year-old daughter walking home at night after she has been out at the weekend. You can hear people coming up behind you but you can’t see them - it’s extremely worrying.”

Notts County Council announced this week it will not be turning off street lights in Carlton - a week after the news Worksop street lights are also to remain switched on.

Coun Richard Jackson, county council’s cabinet member for highways and transport, said the decision was taken following lengthy feedback from consultants.

“The whole part-night lighting programme is still very much in its infancy and we have always said we will listen to what residents have to say,” he said.

“What we are doing in Worksop and Carlton does not set a precedent for other areas. Each area will continue to be judged on its own merits and amendments made as a result of consultation and feedback.”

The scheme aims to save £1m a year and cut carbon emissions and light pollution.

A council spokesman said: Langold falls into a different zone and is not part of the Worksop plan.”

“We are aware of the petition but cannot comment until it has been presented at the 17th May meeting.”